"Wake up to yourself," a Dubbo magistrate has told a man caught shoplifting in Nyngan.
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Nathan Bryan Manson, 26, walked in to Nyngan Innovations clothing and giftware where he told the store owner he was "just having a look", about 10am on April 27.
Manson was walking around when he approached the sunglasses rack and picked up a pair of square framed Aspect polarised sunglasses valued at $34.95.
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According to police and footage captured on CCTV, Manson then looked around momentarily before placing the sunglasses into his left trouser pocket, keeping his hand in the pocket to conceal the item.
Manson continued to walk up another aisle before leaving the shop.
The owner followed Manson outside to confront him and ask him to give back the sunglasses.
"I didn't steal ya f---ing sunnies," Manson said to the store owner before riding off on a yellow-painted push bike.
According to court documents Manson was recognised by police through previous interactions, and CCTV footage was provided to them.
Police attended Manson's home when he answered the door and said to officers "yeah, I know why you're here, the sunglasses".
He was arrested and taken to Nyngan Police Station.
Manson made full admissions to taking the sunglasses and told officers he had sold them. Police asked who he sold them to and he told them "no comment".
When asked why he stole them Manson told police he "just wasn't thinking".
In Dubbo Local Court Manson pleaded guilty to one count of shoplifting and one count of disposing stolen property.
Defence lawyer Kate Renehan told the court Manson was trying to get his life back on track after having difficulties, and had recently gained employment at the abattoir in Nyngan.
"He is someone who is making full attempts to get back on the right track," she said.
"He tells me he used to have drug issues, but he's been clean for five months and is on the methadone program."
Magistrate Theresa Hamilton noted Manson's criminal history, which included previous offences of shoplifting.
"You need to wake up to yourself, because with your history and being on parole you might well be sent back to jail," the magistrate said.
Manson was convicted and fined $500. Magistrate Hamilton also ordered him to pay back $34.95 to Nyngan Innovations.